As the end of the year nears, it’s important to learn from past accomplishments, in order to forecast future trends. The cosmetics industry has seen a host of innovations and change, with consumers adjusting to a new economy and spending habits. Luxury items are “in” these days, with an emphasis on high-end beauty products for the everyday woman. With o many new sources and global companies getting into the game, the choices may seem more difficult at first, but they are, in fact, only getting better each day.

Some late-breaking news making headlines points to Indonesia, as an independent retailer and manufacturer of cosmetics – perhaps bringing back memories of the cosmetic industry mogul Bobbi Brown – has brought her cosmetics company to a recent $33 million public offering, after four decades of development and marketing from her parent’s garage at home.

It’s a highly inspirational story, and one that will surely impact the wholesale cosmetics trade for years to come, as the perception of high-end cosmetics shifts to include products with humbler beginnings.

Martina Berto’s company is expected to be the first to list on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) in 2011.

In other news, Dita Von Teese wants her own make-up line to take off.

The famed burlesque dancer is setting headlines ablaze with more than just racy photos this year, as she launches a concept that will undoubtedly do much to open up the playing field for smaller companies to compete with established international brands in the next decade.

She said: “I want to do my own make-up line, because I feel like things are missing in the world. I’m constantly trying to mix up colors. Also, I mix my own body make-up.”

Part of the Von Teese strategy is to apply branding with a nostalgic twist. In a once-booming market that was momentarily upset by economic lows in 2008-2009, then renewed through recovery, consumers have become much harder to sway with the regime of old and staid brands that have dominated the industry for decades. She has also expressed dismay at companies that are hesitant to try branding through lesser-known personalities, as opposed to names like the Kardashians or Victoria Beckham, for example.

When asked for her opinion, Stacy Xu, Cosmetic Research Coordinator at ZheDa University, said “In short, it’s time to freshen up a bit. This has immense implications for smaller companies that want a bite of the apple.” Stacy has been researching and contributing her outlook on trends in Chinese cosmetics for the past five years, and hopes to continue her work as a full-fledged professional in the industry in China.

Yet another approach being employed by cosmetics suppliers is the appeal to charitable causes. International brand M.A.C. is engaged in a fully orchestrated company-wide demonstration of their commitment to AIDS victims and their loved ones, through a display of solidarity to commemorate World AIDS Day.

In New York City, thousands of Cosmetic Makeup Artists are wearing a red ribbon to signify the campaign, and more than 1,400 M.A.C employees in 120 North American cities and 30 countries are also joining the demonstration, as consumers watch closely to see which companies get their attention.

It’s perhaps a sign that the wholesale industry is taking a larger chunk of their market share, and now all the stop are being pulled out, in order to sustain profits that were quite healthy for a long time.